Nationals to ease Ross back for stretch run

ATLANTA -- The Nationals have decided that right-hander Joe Ross will make the start on Sunday afternoon against the Braves. It will be Ross' first big league start since July 2 against the Reds, as he has missed more than two months because of right shoulder inflammation.

Ross is expected to go no more than three innings against Atlanta. In recent weeks, he has pitched in simulated games and has thrown no more than 60 pitches. Ross also pitched 13 1/3 innings in a rehab assignment.

ATLANTA -- The Nationals have decided that right-hander Joe Ross will make the start on Sunday afternoon against the Braves. It will be Ross' first big league start since July 2 against the Reds, as he has missed more than two months because of right shoulder inflammation.

Ross is expected to go no more than three innings against Atlanta. In recent weeks, he has pitched in simulated games and has thrown no more than 60 pitches. Ross also pitched 13 1/3 innings in a rehab assignment.

"[It's going to be] sort of like a Spring Training schedule that he is on right now," manager Dusty Baker said. "And let's see how his arm feels. Then we'll increase the workload if we can, or maybe he see how he does out of the 'pen. It's just important to us that he's on the mound in a game. I think that's before we start wondering what do we expect from him. We're just happy that he's on the mound."

The Nationals are still trying to figure out what role Ross will play in the postseason. Baker has not ruled out putting him in the bullpen.

"You go to the next best option, for him and us, because I tell you ... I talk to guys in the league and they said that he has as nasty stuff as any young right-hander that they had faced," Baker said.